WEREWOLF HAMLET

Posted on February 16, 2025 by Greg Pattridge
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That’s 10-year-old Angus Gettlefinger on the cover. He lives with his parents and 3 siblings in an L.A. suburb.

Angus loves theater and old Hollywood movie stars. He often has pretend talks in his head with the likes of Lon Chaney, Harry Houdini, Charlie Chaplin, and Buster Keaton. Young readers will likely be saying “Who are they?”, but I’d suggest reading the one page back material first: WHO ARE THESE GUYS ANYWAY?

Angus plans to perform in a production of Hamlet, but with werewolves for a fifth grade legacy project. His teacher is less than thrilled with the idea, but Angus hopes the message from his play will bring back the close relationship he once had with his brother, Liam.

Liam is 17 and has been sneaking out at night, smoking, drinking, and doing drugs. Angus thinks his obnoxious brother is acting like a werewolf. Meanwhile, his parents are struggling financially and may have to give up their home. Older sister Hannah wishes she could move to Maine and innocent little sister Sidney can’t really grasp what is happening to the family.

The first person narration by Angus is heartfelt. When Liam goes missing Angus knows he has to find him. Chapters often end with Angus relating conversations he has had with Liam. An effective way to bring forth the emotions this young boy is dealing with. It’s a gut wrenching portrayal but one that also includes some comedic moments, especially with his two friends at school.

Werewolf Hamlet is an honest portrayal of a family dealing with a child’s addiction. One that might be helpful to readers in the same situation and a great addition to the Middle Grade shelves.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: Feb. 18, 2025 PAGE COUNT: 256

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: WEREWOLF HAMLET by Kerry Madden-Lunsford

  1. The publisher, Charlesbridge, has created a fun webpage for the book: https://www.charlesbridge.com/pages/werewolf-hamlet.
  2. Zora and Connor are the helpful friends Angus needs. Zora always follows the rules and Connor is an Alabama transplant who doesn’t like living in L.A. The perfect twosome when they join Angus, leaving school without permission to try and find Liam in Hollywood.
  3. Instead of being a predictable ending where the family troubles are solved, we get a more realistic one as Angus finally gets his chance to perform his short production of Werewolf Hamlet with help from his wonderful dog, Renfield, along with friends, and sisters.
  4. The author’s letter to readers is a must read. It’s there she explains how she came to write this book along with a list of free resources for families who are trying to cope with some of the same issues as the Gettlefinger family.
  5. Angus often quotes Shakespeare when he needs a snappy comeback. It’s a fun way to begin learning about this playwright and actor.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kerry Madden-Lunsford has been a regular contributor to the LA Times OpEd page. For several years, she directed the creative writing program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she is still a professor, and she taught in Antioch University’s MFA program in Los Angeles for a decade. She is the author of the picture book Ernestine’s Milky Way. She also wrote the Maggie Valley Trilogy, which includesGentle’s Holler, Louisiana’s Song, and Jessie’s Mountain. Her book, Up Close Harper Lee, was one Booklist’s Ten Top Biographies for Youth. Her first novel, Offsides, was a New York Public Library Pick for the Teen Age. Kerry is the mother of three adult children, and she now lives full-time in Birmingham, Alabama. Visit her at kerrymadden.com.

Check out Kerry Madden-Lunsford on social!

Bluesky Threads: @kerrymadden27. Substack

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EINSTEIN THE PENGUIN

Posted on February 14, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

This UK title originally debuted in 2021. Now American audiences can enjoy this fun story with the simultaneous release of both hardback and paperback editions thanks to Kane Miller Books.

Einstein is a rockhopper penguin who is not only smart but seems to understand human language. He shows up on the Stewart family doorstep one day complete with a back pack. They’d previously seen Einstein at the zoo but never expected this to happen. The parents know he must be returned but their kids, 9-year-old Imogen and shy younger brother Arthur strongly believe he should stay.

Turns out Einstein has a reason for being there and the family decides to help. The amusing turn of events will have you smiling and cheering for a successful conclusion. The third person narration is great for a read aloud or reading on your own. Included throughout the 14 chapters are some rather quirky black and white illustrations.

Kids of all ages who love penguins will also love this fast paced story. Young readers are often searching for higher level books with a bit of mystery. Einstein the Penguin is the perfect choice full of amusing scenes, friendship, and family.

PAGE COUNT: 224 U.S Edition: 2025

All About the Author: Iona Rangeley

I grew up in Norfolk with two parents who were often going off to various corners of the house and writing, so it always felt like I ought to be doing the same. I produced such works as ‘Sam and the Pig’, ‘Adventures at Spider School’ and a diary in which I lied about being able to speak to the house’s ghosts. 

Eventually I went to Oxford to study English and kept on writing with the intention of “never having to get a real job”. I wrote Einstein the Penguin in my third year. Since then, I have written two further Einstein books and am now working on a trilogy of spy books. The first book, Cecily Sawyer: How to Be A Spy, will launch in June 2025.

(Iona’s Author Website)

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In no way did the fact that I have been crazy about penguins most of my life have any bearing on this review. It all began when I dressed up as a very tall penguin on Halloween…

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for that week’s MMGM.

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
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Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 2/10/25

Posted on February 10, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE features a review of THE BUG BANDITS. by Jenni L. Walsh.

Isabelle Knight reviews Moon Rising, the sixth book in the Wings of Fire series by Tui T. Sutherland. 

Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles has an  an interview with Elly Swartz and a giveaway of her MG, Same Page.

Sue Heavenrich is over at Archimedes Notebook with a middle grade NF in poetry: Up, Up High: The Secret Poetry of Earth’s Atmosphere, by Lydia Lukidis

Susan Uhlig thinks BAN THIS BOOK by Alan Gratz is about such a timely and important subject.

Rebecca Douglass reviews Katherine Lundell’s ROOFTOPPERS.

Jenni Enzor is back with us again with a “Sweet Reads” feature of two books with love themes: Not Exactly Love by Devin Brown and Peony Watercolor’s Wish for Sun and Moon by Robyn Field

Jennifer Rummel recaps her visit to an author event with James Ponti and Alyson Gerber.

Patricia Tilton @ Children’s Books Heal reviews a middle grade series, I Survived the Black Death, 1348 by Lauren Tarshis.

Kasey Girard @ The Story Sanctuary reviews Away by Megan E. Freeman:

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book to share every day. Check out her MMGM choice for this week and my favorite post from last week: 18th BLOGIVERSARY!

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THE BUG BANDITS

Posted on February 9, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

I was hoping to feature this new middle grade contemporary closer to the release date in May. But…I have so many books to share that month I moved this one up to give you an advanced look.

THE BUG BANDITS is an engaging story full of great characters. If that’s not convincing enough, the story is a mystery set in a museum and is currently my top MG contemporary read this year.

Liberty Jacobs lives with her Dad on the top floor of at Walnut Street Insectorium, the museum he owns in Philadelphia. Liberty loves it there as she is surrounded by butterflies, geckos, and other unique insects.

The not so good parts of her life include no mom, her best friend Emma moved to Florida, and the kids at school call her “Bug Girl.” The worst might be that Dad is afraid of losing the museum since financially it is not doing well. He has an upcoming meeting with some investors who could help turns it around.

Liberty believes a burglar is going to steal many of the rare insects. If that happens the investors will likely decline to help. When the police don’t believer her and Dad is out of town, Liberty, distant Emma, and new friend Cam come up with a “Home Alone” type plan to stop the bad guys or gals.

The first person narration is spot on and relates not only to Liberty’s anxiety about what may happen, but also dives deeper into her personality. The writing flows and you can’t put it down given the mystery of who the burglars might be. I kept guessing and re-guessing. The other character, Cam, is a popular athlete at school but connects with the museum when he agrees to do some artwork, his secret passion.

Insect lovers will love THE BUG BANDITS as will anyone else looking for a memorable MG read. Highly recommended!

PAGE COUNT: 224 TO BE RELEASED: May 6, 2025

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE BUG BANDITS by Jenni L. Walsh

  1. Having a distant friend is quite common so there are daily phone calls and sadness about not being close together anymore. The depiction works as does the help Emma provides via long distant calls to help thwart the robbery. You’ll visualize everything as it happens.
  2. Home Alone is such a long standing holiday favorite for families. Kevin’s plan from that movie helps Liberty and Cam come up with their own defense and it has some amusing results. Even if you haven’t see the movie, you will be searching for it after reading The Bug Bandits.
  3. It was nice to see track star Cam and his popularity connect with Liberty, who seems the exact opposite. Their friendship was a highlight of the story.
  4. The opening pages has a guide to what animals visitors will find at the museum. Details within the text of the plot reveal many interesting facts that will have you saying “I didn’t know that!”
  5. The author based the concept on a real bug heist in Philly that brings even more believability to the plot.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jenni L. Walsh is a USA Today bestselling author of over twelve books. Her passion lies in transporting readers to another world, be it in historical or contemporary settings. She is a proud member of the Tall Poppy writers, a graduate of Villanova University, and lives in the Philadelphia suburbs with her husband, daughter, son, and various pets.

For children, Jenni has written the She Dared nonfiction series and novels Hettie and the London Blitz, I Am Defiance, By the Light of Fireflies, Over and Out, Operation: Happy, and the forthcoming The Bug Bandits. She also writes historical novels for adults, including Becoming Bonnie, Side by Side, A Betting Woman, The Call of the Wrens, Unsinkable, and Ace, Marvel Spy. To learn more about Jenni and her books, please visit jennilwalsh.com or @jennilwalsh on social media. (Jenni’s Author Website)

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Be sure to check out all the other great features and reviews on today’s Marvelous Middle Grade Monday!

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INTERRUPTED LIVES

Posted on February 7, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

The 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz happened last week on January 27th. The memories shared by these survivors will make sure we never forget. The stories are sad, but the lessons learned are valuable for upper middle grade readers and older teens. Each of these 9 brave individuals recount what they experienced as children while their families faced the hatred brought forth to them.

Although set during the same time period of the Holocaust, each story is unique and begins in countries across Europe. The faces on the front cover don’t reveal the trauma they went through, but their heartbreaking testimony relay the truth.

The authors added several more additions to bring further understanding. You’ll find separate panels of WHAT WAS? information for terms and places needing further explanation. A great resource by itself. At the end of each of the stories is a summary of the lesson learned by the survivor that may indeed be helpful to current day readers. The book also includes a handy glossary.

INTERRUPTED LIVES is a much needed resource for home and classroom bookshelves.

BOOK RELEASE DATE: March 4, 2025 PAGE COUNT: 72

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for that week’s MMGM.

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
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Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 2/3/25

Posted on February 3, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE features a review of ALL THE BLUES IN THE SKY by Renée Watson.

Brenda @ LOG CABIN LIBRARY features Werewolf Hamlet by Kerry Madden-Lunsford .

Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles has an interview with Rosanne Parry and a giveaway of her MG “A Wolf Called Fire”.

Linda Browne reviews The School Between Winter and Fairyland.

Susan Uhlig shares about the amazing THE SHAPE OF LOST THINGS by Sarah Everett. 

Valinora Troy reviews The Haunting of Fortune Farm by Sophie Kirtley.

Carol Baldwin shares a Cover Reveal and Giveaway for Stacey Bartlett’s New Middle-Grade Novel, MONSTER MOUNTAIN.

Isabelle Knight, a young author, joins MMGM for the first time with a review of When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller.

ET Charles shares Avi’s Ragweed & Poppy.

Kasey Girard @ The Story Sanctuary also reviews All the Blues in the Sky by the incredible Renée Watson.

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of THE GIRL WHO FOUGHT BACK: VLADKA MEED AND THE WARSAW GHETTO UPRISING. Rosi also shares three links for her writing friends.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book to share every day. Check out her MMGM choice for this week and my favorite review from last week: THE STOLEN KEY.

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ALL THE BLUES IN THE SKY

Posted on February 2, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

A novel in verse for upper middle grade readers. ALL THE BLUES IN THE SKY is a helpful resource to those trying to understand the loss of a loved one.

Sage waits for a best friend to arrive for the planned celebration of Sage’s 13th birthday. The happy time turns into her worst day ever with news that her best friend died on the way to Sage’s house. Life will never be the same without her best friend.

Sage joins a counseling group at school that deals with grief. Her loss was unexpected while a few others in the group knew that death of a person they cared deeply about would eventually happen. How will this group even help when they don’t understand how Sage truly feels. It’s a tough road dealing with all the emotions grief brings about. Sadness, loneliness, anxiety, guilt, pain, and love are the ones mentioned on the book jacket. Will Sage ever arrive at the point of forgiving herself and find solace from others?

The writing flows and although it is a tough story to read, the book had me unable to put it down. Heartbreaking throughout but also a hopeful longing that by the last page Sage will come to understand why grief is such a difficult journey.

The setting of Harlem was a perfect backdrop and the honesty exhibited comes from an author who knows. That counseling group in the story or anyone else in need now has this novel as a discussion starter.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: February 4, 2025 PAGE COUNT: 208

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: ALL THE BLUES IN THE SKY by Renée Watson

  1. The family situation for Sage was well depicted, living with Dad while Mom lives a short distance away. Her go to person though is her aunt and she helps in a comforting way.
  2. New friend, Kofi, is also a plus as he is a great listener. Everyone needs a friend like him.
  3. The relationship of joy and grief in the healing process is great part of the plot that will be beneficial to many.
  4. The author’s note in the back pages is a must read as you will find out what led her to write this novel.
  5. Although a tough topic to address for readers, the end result leaves one in a good place.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

When Renée Watson was seven years old, she wrote a 21-page story and her teacher told her, “I think you’re going to be a writer one day!” And she was right. Renée’s been writing ever since: poetry, plays, and books. Some of Renée’s books include The Ryan Hart series, Some Places More Than Others, and Love is a Revolution. Her novel Piecing Me Together won two very special awards, the Coretta Scott King Award and the Newbery Honor. 

Renée Watson grew up in Portland, Oregon. Many of her books are inspired by the neighborhood she lived in. When Renée is working on a new book, she makes a playlist of songs she thinks her main character would like and listens to it while she writes. She does most of her writing in her writing nook, surrounded by inspiring quotes, photos of loved ones, and art. All because of her books, Renée has traveled around the world. Of all the places Renée has traveled to, her two favorite places are Oregon and New York. She loves them so much, she lives in both places—Portland and Harlem. Renée believes that words are powerful and she wants to use her words to inspire, heal, and change the world.

(For more about Renée and her books visit her author web page)

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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW! AND BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

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BLUE

Posted on January 31, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

A story full of endearing characters and an urgent message about how we are treating Mother Earth. Multiple viewpoints allow readers to get a deep understanding of the fears and strengths each character brings forth.

BLUE is the huge tree partially pictured on the cover. The stately Douglas fir mentally communicates with a human friend, Maisie-Grace. It also can express understanding with other trees and humans.

MAISIE-GRACE is an eleven-year-old troubled by what her mind can do. It causes her to be quiet. If she dreams or visualizes an event, it comes true. The most current one is that loggers are coming to cut down the forest including her beloved friend, Blue. Maisie Grace has always been homeschooled, but is pulled to enroll in the local middle school for reasons she’s not sure about. Adjusting to this world of rules is not easy, though she does make two sort of friends,

JAX is a paraplegic artist and blames Maisie for the terrible accident that took the life of her mother and left JAX in a wheelchair. She’s not happy with herself or just about anything else. Her feelings come alive in her artwork.

MACON is a farm girl and a helper to both Maisie and JAX. She hates when farm animals are slaughtered, especially when seeing them on the table. Life and death has never been so hard.

The girls are assigned a project of action by their teacher and it leads them to camping out next to BLUE, surrounded by the forest. Their time together is not without its problems, but leads them to a better understanding of each other and the forest they truly want to save. In order to do that Maisie-Grace will have to find her voice and speak up to the people who doubt her the most.

BLUE is a memorable story that will awaken emotions in readers. They will be sad for Maisie’s family situation and angry at the fate of the forest. The writing flows and has you reflecting on the plot and your relationship with our natural world. Perfect for middle grade kids ages 11 and up.

About the Author 

Caroline Allen was an international newsroom journalist when a sudden call to give it up left her reeling. She’d spent years giving voice to the voiceless, and now she was being called to find her own authentic creative voice. With the narrative and characters closely intertwined with nature and climate change, her first four award-winning novels follow one mystic protagonist around the world in search of self-acceptance and purpose. How can she stop running from her gifts and use them to help a world in crisis? She lives in Estacada, OR.

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. All you have to do is email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.

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Marvelous Middle Grade Monday for 1/27/25

Posted on January 27, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

 

ALWAYS in the MIDDLE features a review of OPERATION SISTERHOOD-STEALING THE SHOW! by OLUGBEMISOLA RHUDAY-PERKOVICH.

Susan Uhlig enjoyed THE LEGENDARY MO SETO by A.Y. Chan.

Natalie Aguirre @ Literary Rambles has an interview with debut author Nicole C. Hewitt–a member of our MMGM group–and a giveaway of her MG The Song of Orphan’s Garden.

Jennifer Rummel has a review of AWAY by Megan E. Freeman.

Carol Baldwin features guest reviewer Lori Keating with a look at a lower MG title (for ages 6-9), JUST ONE GIRL by Trinka Hakes Noble. There is also a GIVEAWAY opportunity.

Valinora Troy reviews The World Between the Rain by Susan Cahill.

Brenda @ LOG CABIN LIBRARY features Skylar and the K-Pop Principal by Luan Goldie, illustrations by Amy Nguyen 

Rosi Hollinbeck has a review of THE WITCHING WIND by Natalie Lloyd. Rosi also shares three links for her writing friends.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads has a book to share every day. Check out her MMGM choice for this week and my favorite review from last week: Danilo Was Here.

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OPERATION SISTERHOOD – STEALING THE SHOW!

Posted on January 26, 2025 by Greg Pattridge

The second installment in the Operation Sisterhood series centers around the creative sister, Sunday. You can read this one without having read the first book as Stealing the Show! stands well on it’s own. You might wonder how these four sisters came to be living together with two sets of parents. Just go back and read book one after enjoying Sunday’s side of the story.

Sunday, Bo, and the twins, Lee and Lil love music. They even have a band called Operation Sisterhood and they use their skills to make some money on the side. Now Sunday announces she wants to stage an original musical. She’ll do it all: write the script and music and the sisters will perform for the whole neighborhood in an nearby neighborhood garden space. Easier said than done.

Even big ideas need a plan. Sunday is more of a let’s just do it type and doesn’t have any idea how to make it happen. Talitha Thomas, a popular young stage and screen star, is a new neighbor who just might be able to help. Unfortunately, Talitha lives in a different world of celebrities and performing commitments. Turns out this pro is not much help.

This show was going to be Sunday’s way of proving her sisters wrong and showing them she can pull this off. The Harlem backdrop is the perfect setting for the plot to unfold. The satisfying ending more than makes up for the time spent hoping Sunday will find success and start believing in what she can do. It’s definitely Operation Sisterhood to the rescue.

PAGE COUNT: 272 BOOK BIRTHDAY: 1-14-25

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: OPERATION SISTERHOOD – STEALING THE SHOW! by OLUGBEMISOLA RHUDAY-PERKOVICH

  1. The 11-year-old sisters are in “Free Schooling” for their education. It’s like home school, but with numerous projects exploring the history of their town. A great hands-on way to learn.
  2. Marcus is a secondary character who rarely calls Sunday by her real name. He just yells out other days of the week. Turns out there’s more to Marcus than just being annoying. His friendship with Sunday turns out to be the sweetest part of the story.
  3. The adult characters also shine. There’s Papa Charles, Mama Hope, Ms. Tyler, and Auntie Sunflower who owns the brownstone where the family lives. They all add their own personalities in bringing the neighborhood together.
  4. The back pages after the end of the story provide a nice wrap up: There are lyrics to Sunday and her sister’s song, SHINE. Then we get SUNDAY SAUNDER’S TIPS FOR KEEPING AN IDEA NOTEBOOK. Helpful hints for young readers!
  5. My research led me to discover Operation Sisterhood is headed to the stage in real life. There is also a reveal at the end of book 2 that will certainly provide a spark for a book 3. Fans of the series will be jumping for joy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

OLUGBEMISOLA RHUDAY-PERKOVICH is the award-winning author of several children’s books, a member of The Brown Bookshelf, and former Board member of We Need Diverse Books(WNDB). She is a two-time African American Literature Book Club bestseller and edited the WNDBanthology The Hero Next Door. She’s contributed to several collections, including We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices, Open Mic: Riffs on Life Between Cultures in Ten Voices, On the Block, and Imagine it Better: Visions of What School Might Be.

She was recently commissioned to write the Operation Sisterhood stage adaptation, and has written for various outlets, including PBS Parents, Read Brightly, American Baby, Healthy Kids, and classic hip hop fanzines, like the iconic Right On! and Word Up!. Olugbemisola has worked extensively in youth development; she was twice awarded a public service fellowship from the Echoing Green Foundation for her work with girls and was the 2024 Writer-In-Residence at Bank Street School for Children. Olugbemisola lives with her family in New York City where she writes, makes things, and needs to get more sleep. (author website)

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Be sure to check out all the other great features and reviews on today’s Marvelous Middle Grade Monday!

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